CHATEAU LE PIN

Taking its name from a lone pine tree on the property, Le Pin is one of the most distinguished and expensive wines in the world. The grapes from the vineyard were used to produce other fine but undistinguished Pomerol, until it was purchased by the well-known Thienport family in 1979. The cellars were in poor condition and the chai was a dilapidated shed used to store gardening tools.

The debut vintage was produced with old oak barrels passed down from Vieux Château Certan. Robert Parker's 100-point score for the 1982 vintage put Le Pin on the international map, and with only around 500 cases made a year, the price quickly went through the roof.

The vineyard is clay with sandy gravels and iron oxide deposits, and the wine is 100% Merlot. The style is opulent and exotic, with coconut and citrus notes that are unique to the property. One for the bucket list.